Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows a surgeon to examine or treat conditions within the belly or pelvis using a small camera.
What is a laparoscopy?
A laparoscopy is a surgery that allows a surgeon to look inside your body without making a large incision. Often called "minimally invasive surgery" or "keyhole surgery," it involves making a small cut (usually a half-inch or less) near the belly button to insert a laparoscope—a thin tube with a camera that sends images to a video monitor.
The surgeon may make additional small cuts to insert surgical tools to perform a biopsy (removing tissue samples) or to treat specific problems, such as removing a tumor. Benefits of this approach compared to "open" surgery include shorter hospital stays, less pain, faster recovery, and smaller scars.
Other names: diagnostic laparoscopy, exploratory laparoscopy
What is it used for?
Laparoscopy is typically performed when imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs do not provide enough information. It is used to diagnose:
- Digestive diseases
- Urinary disorders
- Disorders of the female reproductive system (uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes)
Surgeons use it to examine organs for abnormal growths (cysts or tumors), scar tissue, adhesions, bleeding, or infections, and to determine if cancer has spread.
Why do I need a laparoscopy?
You may need this procedure if:
- You have unexplained abdominal or pelvic pain.
- You have sustained organ injuries from a serious accident.
- Your provider needs to stage cancer or investigate abnormal liver tests.
- You are female and experiencing issues such as infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, uterine fibroids, or ovarian cysts.
What happens during the procedure?
The surgery is usually performed in a hospital or outpatient clinic under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision, inflates the abdomen with carbon dioxide to improve visibility, and inserts the laparoscope. If a biopsy or treatment is required, additional small incisions are made for surgical tools. Afterward, the tools and gas are removed, and the incisions are bandaged.
Preparation and Risks
You will likely need to fast before the procedure. Wear loose-fitting clothes, as you may experience bloating and soreness afterward. You will also need someone to drive you home due to the effects of anesthesia.
Common post-surgical symptoms include mild abdominal, neck, or shoulder pain (caused by the gas used during surgery). Serious complications are rare but can include bleeding, infection, blood clots, or damage to organs or blood vessels.